Potomac Valley Hospital (PVH) has partnered with the DAISY Foundation, the leader in meaningful recognition of nurses, to help establish a program within the hospital to recognize the super-human efforts our nurses perform every day.
The first DAISY Award recipient of Potomac Valley Hospital is Jenna Durr, RN. Jenna has been working as a Registered Nurse for PVH for the last five years. She cares for hospitalized patients on the Medical/ Surgical unit, as well as critical patients of the hospital. Jenna was nominated for the DAISY Award by both coworkers and patients.
"I was certainly shocked by getting the Daisy Award but what an honor is to get this kind of recognition. Most importantly the patients that I had the pleasure of caring for received care that impacted their lives, and that is why I ultimately do this job. We get people at their worst and they just need kindness and love to help them along their journey. This also encourages me to give even better patient care and find ways to improve patient experience. I pray I can always go above and beyond for our patients because they deserve that and much more,” says Jenna.
The not-for-profit DAISY Foundation was established in memory of J. Patrick Barnes. Patrick died in late 1999, from complications of Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP). Patrick’s family began the Foundation as a means of thanking nurses for making a profound difference in the lives of their patients and families. Everyone involved with DAISY, whether they are presenting the awards, choosing Honorees, or coordinating the program, is an extension of this family and their expression of gratitude.
The DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses has been adopted by 3,400 healthcare facilities and schools of nursing around the world to celebrate nurses for their extraordinary skillful, and compassionate care. The DAISY Award is for nurses who go above and beyond in everyday situations. Nurses may be nominated by patients, families, and colleagues, and the recipients are chosen by a committee of PVH nurses. The DAISY Award is presented once every six months at a surprise presentation. The award recipient receives a certificate commending them for being an “Extraordinary Nurse.” The certificate reads: “In deep appreciation of all you do, who you are, and the incredibly meaningful difference you make in the lives of so many people.” In addition to the certificate, the recipients receive a serpentine stone sculpture of “The Healer’s Touch,” a DAISY Award pin, and special Honoree Benefits.
“Nursing is a selfless occupation and the key to selflessness is feeling good about what you have done for others. Recognizing the nurses at PVH and the care they deliver is imperative but pales in comparison for the excellent care they provide to our patients and community. Jenna Durr was an excellent choice for our first Daisy Award at PVH. Jenna approaches her job with a positive attitude and loves every aspect of being a nurse. It is obvious to those she cares for and works with. Jenna exemplifies our organizations values and mission of ‘Caring for our patients like they are a member of our own family,’” says Vice President of Nursing, Elaine Geroski.